Publicist Murder Suspect Suicide May Just Have Been Random Crazy Guy

After Hollywood publicist Ronni Chasen was shot five times on the way home from the Burlesque premiere, it seemed unlikely they’d catch the killer. But then when a suspect committed suicide while police searched his apartment a few weeks later, it seemed like an open and shot case (get it? You can even use that one, NY Post). Now that more details about the dead man are coming to light, his involvement in the murder seems less certain. For one thing, the suicide weapon and the murder weapon were two different guns, and since the guy was known to live in a squalid, $625-a-month hellbox, it’s hard to believe he could afford two.

Officers approached [Harold Martin] Smith after someone phoned a tip into the TV show “America’s Most Wanted.”At least one resident of the apartment building from which he was being evicted told reporters that Smith had bragged about the killing, though others thought he had mental issues and could not have carried out the homicide.
He had a long criminal history and carrying a gun could have landed him back in prison. [AP]

Let’s just say you were the guy who killed the publicist, and you knew of this crazy guy who owned a gun illegally and might kill himself to avoid going back to prison. Say you called the cops and told them he’d been bragging about the murders, they showed up to search him, and he killed himself. Pretty brilliant cover up, no? Maybe the autoerotic asphyxiation ninjasare real.

And now that I think about it, “Harold Smith” sounds like the fakest name ever.

Around The Web

Join The Discussion: Log In With

"Publicist Murder Suspect Suicide May Just Have Been Random Crazy Guy"

By: Ace Rimmer

12.07.2010 @ 4:02 PM

As she was on her way home from the Burlesque premiere, it was reasonable to assume a foul play.

By: Crapbasket

12.07.2010 @ 4:07 PM

HAHAHA!!
Some publicist gets gunned down by some batshit crazy soon to be homeless guy who then commits suicide?!
ROTFJO!!
I love comedy sites!

By: el dragonero

12.07.2010 @ 4:15 PM

Police tried to wrestle the weapon away from Harold but, before they could, he drew himself a purple gun and fired.

By: Ace Rimmer

12.07.2010 @ 4:17 PM

They said Harold was Maude.

By: Ace Rimmer

12.07.2010 @ 4:18 PM

Fuck, I’m already regretting that. I’ll go find the corner.

By: matthewburgoon

12.07.2010 @ 4:22 PM

I live down the street from this place, its situated above a topless bar, so yeah, I’m looking into taking his old room…TITTIES!

By: Ferrybear

12.07.2010 @ 4:25 PM

Well I guess it’s in our best interest to keep the stars we like from going to Tailand. quick someone get the entire Kardashian family tickets to Tailand!
Ha Ha ROFLWJOACS!

By: ChinoMoreno

12.07.2010 @ 4:37 PM

Hey-rold…where you going with that gun in your hand? I’m going down to shoot some old lady…

By: Homo Erectus

12.07.2010 @ 4:38 PM

Was there every any doubt about Autoerotic Asphyxiation Ninjas? I leave them cookies and milk every Christmas Eve. Or is that Santa? Well, whatever it is me what I want most: Stranglebation!

By: Homo Erectus

12.07.2010 @ 4:39 PM

Oops. Insert the word “Gives” in there. Wherever you like. Like your mom I’m not picky.

By: Erswi

12.07.2010 @ 4:43 PM

She may be a Seattlite (Seattlian? Seattletonian?) but I still heart the fuck out of Chino for the nod to Jimi.

Seriously though, what do we call those people up there?

By: ChinoMoreno

12.07.2010 @ 4:47 PM

We’re called cold and wet :(

By: Stinky Peet

12.07.2010 @ 4:48 PM

@Erswi: I’d go with “Rainy Day Women”.

By: EnglishPrick

12.07.2010 @ 5:01 PM

This is indeed a fascinating story, but only one thing remains certain; whatever the final verdict is on this unfortunate Harold Smith, scrutinising the entire debacle will be the closest I ever come to watching Burlesque.